The last 9 sketches of my 'urban sketching at home' sketchbook! (Part 4)

A mask for good measure

My first urban sketching at home sketchbook is done and I am a few pages into the next one. A book rather larger than this. I am flipping through this one with a feeling of nostalgia as I type. This was the first month of quarantine. A unique and special time in my own history and the history of the world. How often does our own history mirror that of the rest of the world, I wonder. As we quietly wait for things to get better, practicing patience and going about our daily business in a simpler, humbler way. It is both rewarding and challenging. A chance to slow down but also a reason to appreciate the benefits of modern life and the ways it has created easier solutions to age old problems.

My window when opened allows cool, fresh air to blow into it. The business that normally marks this urban cycling route is slowly coming back to life. People are out. The sun is shining, and if we didn't know better we would go on to say, God is in the heaven and all is well with the world. All is however, far from well, but there are things that can be enjoyed and protected. The safety and beauty of home. Concentrated time with family, the cutting out of distraction, and perhaps the ability to delve into those things we find most meaningful.

1- Easter Bread
Baking Easter bread. I made the Bread for our Easter meal this year and decided to illustrate the recipe in my sketchbook.

2- Wooden Cross
When we married the priest gave us a wooden cross. I take it out every Easter. It also made it into the book.

3- Bauernbox
We have begun ordering fruit and vegetables from a local farm. These are dropped off in a box at our door. Since they have bought out the produce of several smaller shops they offer a wide variety of exciting things. Here I have captured some of the more exciting items in the box.

4- Shelf
A small shelf with coasters, plants, and a few other ornaments sits at the end of the coffee table. I have replanted two of the plants here. They may make an appearance soon in a future sketch. I need to give them a bit of time to grow.

5- View from the window
The second sketch in this book is a view from the window. In it the trees are bare. Looking out I realized that they are suddenly lush and covered in leaves. Time for a second sketch.

6- Out of Candles

We have been using the nicest things up over the past month and a half or so. THose things that we saved for someday where used. This is 'someday'. If not use them now, then when. The day we ran out of candles I added the empty candelabra to the book.

7 - Tea equipment
I love tea and have so many wonderful tea pots, caddies, cups and other utensils. I am debating devoting a whole miniature sketchbook to them one day. In the meantime here are a few.